
! 



SPREES OF THE HALL, 

OF CASUALTY, A POEM. 



IN FOUR CANTOS. 



FINALE, A LA BYRON ; 

A FUAGMENT. 



BY HENRY PELLATT, 

Author of 

' Rfcautaiion,'' 'Recapitulation,' '■ Individualitu,' ' FAleti 

Stanmere^s Maid,' ^-c. 4'C- 



" I planted in my yotith a laurel bough. 
My humble prayer to Fhoebus offering. 
That by his fostering care the tree mieht grow. 
And shade anfl shelter to the poet bring. 



I grieve not at its slow oprise ! " 

Benedetto Menzini. 



LONDON- *.,. 

PRINTED FOR LIMITED DONATION. 
MDCCCXXIII. 






11 



205449 
'13 



T Whitf, Printer, 
2, Johnson's Court, Fleet Street, 



RICHARD PINDER, 



RICKMANSWORTH, 



THE COUNTY OF HERTS, ESQ. 



S^^ 



DEAR AT>iD HONORED SIR, 

There is no one to whom I can with more pro- 
priety dedicate this volume than yourself, as the 
scenes introduced into it are, most of them, asso- 
ciated with your own recollections and presence. 
I flatter myself that the perusal of the following 
poem may bring to your remembrance those 
deeply dramatic situations celebrated beneath 
your roof of hospitality, and not altogether fail of 
interest. There will be, at all events, one advan- 



DEDICATION. 



tage arising from the reminescence of them, which 
their enacting had not — total freedom from noise 
and clamor; and, indeed, I conceive that an apo- 
logy is due from me for having so conspicuously 
stood forward, of all the dramatis personce, in 
those diurnal and nocturnal revelries. 

In conclusion, Dear Sir, allow me to say, that 
it will, at all times, afford me the highest gratifi- 
cation to obey your summons of hospitality, to 
that roof whence sprung the " Sprees of the 
Hall;" though I earnestly hope, for your sake, 
and the lovers of rural abstraction and quietude, 
a second edition may not be called for — as it 
regards myself, I am indifferent. 
I remain. 
Dear Sir, 

With high respect, 
Yours very truly, 



ADVERTISEMENT. 



The Author begs leave to assure Mr. Crabbe, 
that it was far from his intention, in the present 
volume, to build either his title or his design on 
Mr. Crabbe's beautiful poem, called " The Tales 
of the Hall ;'' he regrets that the titles of two 
poems, published in the same century, should so 
nearly accord ; upon a careful perusal of the 
two books, it will be seen, however, that so far 
from the present author being indebted to Mr. 
Crabbe for any of his ideas, versifications, or 
metres, it would have been a decided advantage 
to Mr. Crabbe, had the "Sprees of the Hall" 
been published first. Every candid Reader must 
be compelled-to allow this, wilhal. 



PREFACE. 



J HAVE hardly deemed a preface to the follow- 
ing poem necessary. Some consider a preface as 
the indispensable key-stone to their work, others 
deem it as a compliment from the author to 
the reader — let it answer both purposes in my 
case. I have only one apology to make upon this 
occasion, which is, for the length of time occur- 
ring between the gift of the subject and the 
printing of this poem, and the apology will be 
deemed sufficient when I inform my friends that 
I have hastily snatched some few half hours from 
the uncongenial claims of professional bondage 



for this work, and, that the whole has been ga- 
thered together in the most hurried manner. 
This work has not been printed for the public 
eye, but to save time, trouble, and copying, at the 
request of some select and valued friends, for 
the purpose of perpetuating a few hours of social 
mirth, as connected with divers sprees and odd 
recollections ; let this declaration disarm criti- 
cism; if it does not — I can't help it. 



London, October l(i, 1823. 



CONTENTS. 



Ode to Liberty 3 

The Coming 5 

Tiie AJifehtiiig 13 

Tlie Dinner , . . 19 

The Wassail 23 

Lyndon's Song . , fT 

Finder's Song SO 

Harold's Song 33 

The lea table 50 

The Billiard-room , '6 

The Challenge . . . • • .... 61 

Morning Hymn .,..•..., 67 

The Arising 70 

The Departure to Church 74 

The Church (the out) , . . 77 

The Church (the in) 81 

The Prophecy . . , . 87 

First Spree 89 

Incipitur to the Second Spree 104 



CONTENTS. 

Second Spree 105 

Incipitur to the Third Spree J 14 

Tliird Spree ^ 115 

Incipitur to the Fourth Spree 129 

Fourth Spree 130 

Finale, a la Byron 154 



Argument. 



The scenes of tli's Poem are taken from the immediate vicinity of 
fashiotbury the iuheritance of the Earl of Essex. 

The period of the action of the Sprees is three days, and part offonr 
niiihts. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



ODE TO LIBERTY. 

Immortal Spirit of the chainless mind, 

Brightest in London Liberty tliou art ! 

For there my habitation's in the heart ; 

And when thy sons to papers are confined. 

To Latitats and dark Law's rayless gloom, 

The spirit's conquered with its martyrdom, 

And Freedom's ^\ing finds fame on every wind. 

London ! thy city is a dirty place. 

And thy sad floor an altar, — for 'tis trod 

Until their very steps have left their trace, 

Worn as their leather was with iron shod — 

By Waddington and Hunt. — Let none those marks 

efface. 
For they appeal from To thill-fields to * * *. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



CANTO 



There was a sound of revelry by night. 

And Finder's family had gathered then. 
Their chairs and tables^ candlestick and light. 
And lamps shone o'er fair women and queer men. 
And when music arose with its voluptuous swell,^ 
A coach appeared the following tale to tell. 

THE COMING. 
1. 

Now from London two are bearing, 

Wyatt's horn is sounding, Q) 
Down the hill his steeds are tearing, 

Wyatt's whip is bounding. 



iPKEES OF THE HALL- 



Outside passengers are they, 
(Modern incomes cutting) 

To keep all creditors at bay. 
On Latitat abutting. 



Profits do not bear, of late. 
In law, or physic, church. 

And as to profits in the state. 
They suffer a law-lurch. 



Therefore men must cut the " in. 
And patronize the " out," 

"Weather minding not a pin. 
To pin their rags about. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



iModem coachmen too have found 
In safety coaches, dandy. 

The trick of saving many a pound 
By having outsides handy. 



In fact, all feel the general tug 
Of modern bad times' haul. 

And if men must ride on a rug— (-') 
They must not ride at all. 



Wyatt's story, long and quaint. 
Was drawing near its close. 

Its model was the " Banbury Saint' 
Which every body knows. 



SPRKES OF THE HALL. 



But he is wont to take a tale 

And model it anew. 
And passengers will rarely fail 

To lauffh— or false, or true 



And near the place where " Stafford" lives, (•') 

He dropt from off his box. 
To woman's hand the rein he gives, ("*) 

And, lo ! the wheel he locks. 



'Tis strange, that on the very spot 
Of Stafford's peaceful reign. 

That his should be the woeful lot 
To hear the clank of chain ! 



Sl'REES OF THE IIALI,. 



For there he sought to be at rest. 
Released from bail and charge. 

No more \vith Bow-street honors prest. 
On Saturday at large. 

12. 

And well he deemed that in this land 

Of freedom and of will, 
He had found out a peaceful stand 

Where iron's clank is still. 



But ah ! on every coach we find. 
That runs this happy soil, 

A galling fetter hung behind. 
All lubricate with oil. 



SPRKES OF THE HALL. 



14, 



Therefore, men who fill the page, 
Of " Jerry" rows the cream, (,^) 

Should never travel on a stage. 
But always go by steam. 

15. 

But now 'tis fit that I should cut 

All detail of the times. 
And plough a little in the rut («) 

Determined for these rhymes : 

16. 



And tell of those two men who came 
By Wyatts evening coach ; 

Their destiny, their trade, their fame. 
And now begins the poach. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



17. 



The one he lives in Geirard-street, 
In London, near Soho-square, 

And manifoldly does he treat. 
In jewels all the go there. 



The other is, what Charles would fain (") 

A subject his should be. 
One flourished in his glorious reign. 

And one died on a tree ! 



19. 

At least 'tis said by men who lived 
In good king Charley's day. 

That peace and virtue flourished. 
Bright as the noon sun's rav- 



SPREES OF THU HALL.. 



20. 



But when he died fell Discord rose. 
And Virtue turn'd a sawyer. 

She gave the state a bloody nose. 
And then employed a Lawyer. 

21. 

His trade I dare not plainer tell 
For fear 'twill breed a faction. 

And he'll employ one Sergeant Pell (S) 
To bring a libel action. 



Therefore I'll cut short these lines. 
To introduce some others. 

My muse the rhyming task declines. 
When talking of my brothers- 



THE ALIGHTING. 



'TvvAS the cold month of March, ere the Sun in his 

power 
Darts forth on the trees, or plays in the shower. 
When by invite so kind and as quickly complied with. 
The aforesaid two heroes each other did ride with • 



And soon they alio-hted, both cheerful and gay too. 
At the steps of the mansion, they bended their way to 
A fine, noble building, without whitewash or plaster. 
Bespeaking- the mind of its inmate and master. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



And ere they could knock, the door it flew open. 
And one there appeared — most happily spoken ! 
The Mistress herself— as in days Avhen the meeting- 
Of strangers was hailed by the castle lord's greet- 
ing. (!)) 



Hospitality beamed in the eye of the lady. 
That shone like the sun on the morning of May-day, 
And cheerfulness gathered its grace from the smile 
^^^lich illumined that moment of meeting awhile- 



The hall it was fair, and lofty, and bright. 
Exactly proportioned in length, breadth, and height ; 
And the staircase that sprung from the innermost wall. 
Was firm in its tread, and majestic withall: 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



6. 



And soon the fair hostess, that hailed them so fair, 

Preceded their way i)y the foot of the stair. 

And her footsteps they followed with cheerfulness 

light. 
Till the banqueting room was presented to sight. 



'Twas a fine lofty room, nor too large, nor too small. 
Quite fitting for wassail, or dinner, or ball. 
And they sate themselves down in expectancy's wish 
For the presence of ladies, and taste of each dish : 



And soon they came in, and tlieir happiness shone 
Like the sky in its loveliness, lit by the moon ; 
For where virtue is reigning the ej-e will beam joy. 
All freed from corruption — unmixed with alloy. 



l6 SPREES OF THE HALL. 



9. 

And where is the soul of the man who can view 
A woman's bright eye in its azure of blue. 
And turn from its shinino- in coldness away, 
Untaught by its language, unwarni'd by its ray ? 

10. 

If a being so cold can exist in the world. 

May the sun of his hope from its axis be hurled, 

May the moon liide her rays, and the stars shun the 

night. 
And leave the stern wretch to chill horror and blight : 



Let him wander in darkness, unknowing his way 
To the wild screaming raven, and night-wolf a prey ; 
Or, if these he escape, let his body be riven, 
Asunder by flame from the tempest cloud driven ! 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



Sudi fate may be his — but I'll bend to my story, 
And leave him to die, all alone in his glory — 
If glory there be in such desolate feeling, 
Bemunbing the soul, the affections all steeling. 

13. 

Perhaps 'twnll be said that I've colored too strongly 
A mind so depraved, and judged of it wrrongly ; 
But coldness at all when a Woman's the cause, ('<') 
Is the dearth of all feeling, of life the full pause. 



As the sun gilds the earth, so we live by their light. 
Our day is their presence, their departure oiu- night. 
As the soft summer rain distils joy to the flower. 
So their influence warms us in life's fitful hour. 



SrREKS OF THE HALL. 



15, 



But I've wandered far out of the track I intended. 
And 'tis fitting- that now all these musings be ended, 
So I'll on with my story, and shorten these strains, 
I've said a good deal, but there's much yet remains ! 



THE DINNER. 



Now the guests they sat down to the dinner's repast, 
And took of it largely tho' in passion week's fast. 
For their ride made them ready at Dame Nature's call, 
In the combat of eating to conquer or fall. 



Then the cloth was removed, and the snuff-boxes 

came. 
Replete with tobaccos, of lineage and fame ; 
And they soon acquiesced in this custom so common, 
A perfection in man, but a sad flaw in woman ! 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



Bolongaro and Mayence, Marino, and others, (") 
Were fairly discussed, by these snuff-tasting brothers. 
And the merits of Hudson, and Proctor, and Currey, 
Were unfolded in order— not done in a hurry. 



Some laugh at the custom and deem it sad folly 
To feed a man's nose with chopped hay and holly ; 
Let them hold their conviction— a snuff-taker knows 
From a pinch of good snuff what a pleasure, there 
flows. 



And the wine freely flowed — hospitality's grace. 
And pleasure and joy beamed out from each face, 
The ladies were present, whose presence nmst ever 
From enjoyment's alloy its reality sever. 0^ 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



6. 

It's a plan most abhorrent, in city or to\vii. 
For a bevy of men to sit themselves down, ('3) 
And quaff from the goblet with licence unchecked, 
Then happiness call it — why 'tis happiness wrecked. 



When the soul is put out, and the brain burns in fire. 
They deem it enjoyment fann'd higher and higher : — 
Then let it be pleasure, I'll ne'er float its stream. 
Such pleasure is madness, or madness a dream. 



Let me have the pleasure which shines with a grace 
From a pair of blue eyes in a beautiful face. 
Then on with the wassail, ye boasters, who can, ('^J 
You may boast the resemblance, but I am the man. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



CANTO II. 



THE WASSAIL. 



Let us take another glass, 
" Lyndon, are you ready ? 
I will give it — ' Here's your lass, 
" Love lier firm and 



Harold, pledge us in a toast, 
" Bumpers, fill the bowl — 
I will give it — ' Here's ovu* host, 
" God bless his generous soul.' 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



Pinder, fill your chalice up, 
" Let us have your sayiug — 
I will give it — ' Here's the cup 
" Of pleasure undismaying.' 



And he who will not heel it, 
" To drive all care away. 
May the Bank of England feel it, 
" When he has a bill to pay. 



" Lyndon, fox your glass again, 
" Pledge anew — my flower ! Q^) 

" I will give it — ' Let no pain 
" Mix with this golden hour.' 



SPHEES OF THK HALL. 



5. 



Harold try it, you are down, (ic) 
" 'Tis your's in second station, 
I will give it — ' Here's the Crown, 
" And this our Euo^lish nation.' 



Go it, Pinder, mind your score, 
" Let the golilet smile — 
I will give it — ' Evermore, 
" The Beauties of our Isle.' 



And he who will not drink it, 
" For ever and a day. 
May scrip and consols fail him, 
" When he has a bill to pay. 



26 SPREES OF TH£ HALL. 



Now, Lyndon, tune your mellow voice 
" To poesy divine. 

And let us hear your first love's choice 
" In glowing colors shine." 



LYNDON'S SONG. 



1. 

I loved a rural fair. 

Above all treasure loved. 
And deemed my vows were there 

As tenderly approved; 
But for some other swain. 
The maid 

jNIy hopes betrayed. 
And left me to complain — 
Yet still I'd rather weep her false, unkind. 
Than live without her image on my mind. 



28 SPREES OF THE HALL. 



In childhood first I knew 

The girl, and then admired, 
But as her beauties grew. 

My breast with love was fired ; 
Ah, for some other swain. 

The maid 

My hopes betrayed. 
And left me to complain — 
Yet still I'd rather weep her false, unkind. 
Than live without her image on my mind. 



But as my love so burned, 
I to another tiu-ned, 

And lest I should be undone 
I married I\Irs. Lyndon 3 



SPREES OF THE HALT.. 

Tho' for some other swain. 
The maid 

iVIy hopes betrayed. 
And left me to complain — 
Yet still I will not weep her false, mikind, 
For all my love and joy in Mrs. L. I find. 



" Pinder, now tune your lofty note 
" To some fair strain of yore, 

" And let the mellow numbers float 
" From out their fountain's store ' 



FINDER'S SONG. 



Now the sun has gone to rest. 
Fain we woukl his chariot stay, 

Brio-htly glows his heavenly vest, 
Over the hills and far away. 



Yet we'll sip the generous glass. 
Prove that night has grown our day, 

Here's to every bonny lass 
Over the hills and far awav. 



SPUEES OF THE HALL. 31 



May liis I)eams to-morrow rise 
Witli a fairer, lovelier ray, 

Soon will fade the summer skies 
Over the hills and far away. 



Let us mock his golden beams 
In the goblet, while we may. 

Here the purest pleasure teems, 
Over the hills and far away- 

6. 

Let the ruby nectar smile. 
Joyous both by night and day. 

Every care and joy beguile. 
Over the hills and far away. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



Fill we now tlie bumper bright. 
While to Sol we tune our lay. 

Fair as woman's lovely light. 
Over the hills and far away ! 



" Come, Harold, sport your stave, 

" Let us have a song — 
" A bumper toast 'twill save, 

" Nor mind its being long." 



HAROLD'S SONG. 



Oh London town's the thing ! 

For fun and frolic — flash. 
So hear my numbers ring, 

"NMiile oflF I go, slap-dash. 



The city end I hold. 
Is far beyond the west. 
You think me gather bold. 
But, faith, I like it best!^ 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



The West may boast its swells. 
Its Bond-street and the Parks, 

Its betting- cribs and hells. 
And Tom and Jerry larks. 



There's Burlington arcade. 
And Maberly's bazaar. 

And Tatters al afraid 
To try it on too far. 

5. 

There's Petersham and Ball, 
And many a golden fool. 

And in St. Stephen's hall 
There's many a courtier tool. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



There's the Op'ra colonnade, 
" New streets to give Nash food. 
And many a charming maid, 
" Or would be, if she could. 



There's the famous chapeau paille 
" By Rubens, all my eye. 
And Lords too wanting bail, 
" A\Tien Weston's on the spy. 



There's the stable-yard for kings 
" Or kings that may be yet. 
And cabriolets on springs, 
" And peers all ' steli stet." 



36 SPREES OF THE HALL. 



" There's that large man in green 
" Bolt upright in the park, 

" ^^^lo every day is seen 
" Expose for a lark. 

10. 

" And who from Bow-street lash, 
" In Bimie has found quarter, 

" Tho' my Lady and Miss Dash, 
" Were shock'd just by the water. 



There's Jolliflfe drinking max, 
" A pillar of the state, 
With gaiters made most lax, 
" Tho' laxer in his gait. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 37 



" And there is Devonsliire, 
" Enacting plays in Surrey, 

" Poor Sliakspeare in the mire, 
" And Byron leaving Murray. 

13. 

" And there's one Mrs. Coutts, 
" The Piccadilly dame, 

" And Hoby building boots, 
" Tho' seldom paid for same. 

14. 

" And there is Baring's house, 
" A cash-box from the city, 

" Lord Eldon with his nous, 
" And Erskine poor, tho' witty 



38 SPREES OF THE HALL. 



15. 

There's Hope's triumphal gate 
" That cost ten thousand pence, 
And Cobourg' apeing state, 
" To make John Bull pretence. 

16. 

There's oiu- great sovereign lord, 
" The king of England still, 
'' And Conyngham's whole hoard 
" In waiting, now he's ill. 



There tailors strut like peers, 
"In coats of their own build. 
With claims of twenty years, 
" Which ask'd for— they are miWd. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 39 



*' But 1 shall chaunt all day, 
" With this same Western ditty, 

" So now I'll take my way, 
" And pound it in the city. 

19. 

" Don't talk to me of West, 
" I like the Eastern sphere, 

" It suits the pocket best, 
" Things better, and less dear. 

20. 

" Besides cits pay their way, 
" And don't contract a bill, 

" And if not quite so gay, 
" Thev can be — when thev will. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



Why, look at Carlton House, 
" And then go to Guildhall, 
A tortoise to a louse, 
" And fifty times as small. 



■ I'll lay a good round sum, 
" That Gog and Magog stand, 

' Before the Regent's bomb, 
" Confessed on every hand. 

23. 

And then the Court that's kept 
" Within its sacred walls, 
^Vhy Brougham's far outleapt, 
" When Waithman's pathos falls. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



24. 



That man of shawls who can 
" Bend to the city's weal. 
With speeches spick and span, 
" Or, if insulted,— /jcf/ / 



■ Then look at member Wood, 
" Born in the city's lap, 
Who long the Queen's friend stood, 
*'Nor shrunk for want of sap. 

26. 

There's Curtis too, our boast, 
" From heaven a civic boon, 
Who gave the famous toast, 
" ' A speedy peace, and soon !' 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



27. 



" And Magnay, our late mayor, 
" Who saved a heavy purse, 

" To keep his ledger square, 
" But what is that to us. 

28. 

" And Brydges too, the wise, 
" Who when he was in power, 

" Swelled to a wondrous size, 
" Unheard of since that hour. 

29. 

•' And Thorp, who poUed so high, 
" He made all Aldgate stare, 

" That House of Commons Guy, 
" Arrayed in tret and tare. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



30. 



And Wilson, too, the small 
" In person and in brain. 
Who Cocker knows and all 
" The casters in his train. 

31. 

And Parkins too X-X, 
" The wonder of his station, 
Who likes the female sex 
" And acts of filiation. 



" The man who flings his noose 

" On all opinions now, 
" Born but to be a goose, 

" Whose sense is bow, wow, wow. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



33. 



' And half a hundred more 
" Of common-council men, 

' Who over haunches pore, 
" ' Another glass, and then.* 

34. 

And who, to make a speech, 
" Are always fit and able, 
And half-way through Avill reach, 
" And delujre all the table. 



Don't talk to me of swells, 
" Or dandy hats or brims. 
For Hick and Co. they sells 
" The hat for Crier Symes. 



SPREES or THE HALL. 



36. 



Or if the King you'd meet 
" With a large chapeau paillc, 
Why walk down Fenchurch-street, 
" And see young Borradaile. 

37. 

The West may boast the spire 
" Of Martin in the fields. 
Bow-steeple is much higher, 
" And more of beauty yields. 



The Burlington arcade 
" May boast a noble range. 
But look at our's for trade — 
" I mean the Royal Exchange. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



39. 

There's Murray, Hunt, and Lowe, 
" And. many a famous name. 
We've Longman, Hurst and Co. 
" Rees, Orme, and Brown, and Bayne. 



" And then their legal crew, 
" Each sports his cabiiolet, 

" And, saving one or two, 
" The've time to drive all day. 

41. 

" Cits bolt a golden pill, 

" We'll learn of their preceptors, 
" And when they hold a bill, 

" Grab Drawers and Acceptors. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



42. 



The city firms by far 
" Eclipse the West so stunt. 
We've Sweet, and Stokes, and Carr, 
" Swain, Stevens, Pearce and Hunt. 



The city twelve halls brag 
" A right to hold the rein, 
In turtle feasts, and swag, 
" And cut and come again. 



West end, with all its airs, 
" May envy our great state, 
\Vhen backed by Wapping stairs 
" And market Billingsgate. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



45. 



' West-enders stare and grunt 
" And call our customs gritty. 
But when they want the Hunt 
" They pull up in the city. 

46. 

Their ladies fleece them clean, 
" ' Come pay you must, and canj* 
' My darling, don't be mean, 
" ' Drive down to Masterman.' 

47. 



It ever must be so, 
" The Bank within our wall. 
The West end soon may go, 
" The city cannot fall. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 49 



48. 



Gazetted they may be, 

" One shilling in the pound, 

We'll be their assignee, 

" And then they'll soon come round. 



49. 

So now I'll pledge my cup, 
" Here's to the East and W< 
May each keep t'other up, 
" And neither will be best. 



Here's to the Mayor and King, 
" Both kings of their own world. 
Long life to both I sing, 
" And honors bright unfurl'd ! 



THE TEA TABLE. 



The tea was up, and ladies fair 

Around the table sat. 
In curling ringlets flowed their hair, 

The urn was on a mat. (i7) 



And one presided at the fount, 
"Whence tea-pot comfort flows. 

The steamy columns safely mount, ('^) 
The social circle glows. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



3. 



And soon the gentlemen appeared, 

To summons oft-time sent, 
They from the wine were safely steer'd, 

Tho' on its virtues bent. 



The wine was good, and they were free 

To taste the gen'rous cup. 
Nor cut were they with revelry. 

But certainly bang up. 



It vi^as the hour with them when wit. 

If any be, will flow, (19) 
Nor sense-shorn, vaguely, did they sit, 

Making incessant row. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



As some I've seen from wine arise 

To join the ladies fair. 
With gaze of most imbecile eyes. 

And most unpleasant stare. 



And others who before the hour 
Of dinner-time was near, 

To say a word had not the power, 
All spooney, and all fear ; 



But who, when Bacchus waved his wand. 

Outstripped all other men 
In chaflF and press of ladies' hand. 

Ten thousand times to ten. 



SrREES OF THE HALL. 



9- 



Or others, methodist and cant. 
With visage most serene, 

Who 'gainst all worldly follies rant, 
Tho' drenching a tureen. (-0) 



And who, when asked to fill their glass 
Press forward hands most lean. 

And half fill up, tho' for a lass ; 
'Tis paltry, small, and mean. 



Such men profess above the earth 

In toto, bolt, to rear. 
And tell you women's eyes and mirth, 

In condemnation are. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



12. 

Now watch these men without their dress 

Of moody sanctity, 
They squint and lear, and wink and press. 

The dupes of their own lie. (2') 

IS. 

But we will let the subject drop. 

And take a dish of tea, 
'Twill do us ^ood, and be a prop 

To further jollity. 

14. 

Now Pinder, without fear or shame. 
From fob his time-piece hauls 

" Come Harold, shall we have a game, 
" And knock about the balls !" 



SPllEES OF THE HALL. 



With all my heart, the thing will do, 
" Light up the billiard-room. 
Besides, I feel myself in cue, 
" 'Tis * Fleet-street to a broom." ' (-^) 



THE BILLIARD ROOM. 



Come, Harold, choose a cue, 
" And let us now begin. 
This game, my friend, you'll rue, 
" I'll beat, thro' thick and thin. 



Now let us take a ball, 
" Will you have blue or white, 
I care — not I — at all, 
" Say this — come string— all right. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 57 



■ A fine stroke, Harold — good, 
" I've scored you up, my boy. 

That cue was made of wood 
" Cut from a iMargate hoy. 



Come, score me up once more, 
" I've pocketed the white, 
'• It was a precious bore, 
" I hit the red so light. 



Well done, you're five a head, 
" Come, I must try my skill, 
I'm sorry you had lead, 
" Without this stroke will kill. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



Bravo ! I've made it do, 
" Come score me up a five. 
It was a precious screw, 
" But made, as I'm alive. 



Now I should like to send 
" That red ball up above. 
Or else, you see, that bend 
" Will obtuse angle prove. 



8. 



I think the cannon's sure, 
" So here goes, hit or miss. 
It seems the cue to lure, 
" By jingo ! there's a kiss. 



Sl'KEES OF TUli HALL. 59 



9. 



The strikers twelve to six, 
" Pinder, I think you're done, 
I'll try this — five to fix, 
" And then I'll call it won. 

10. 

Ah ! three instead of five, 
" Well never mind, 'twill do. 
It keeps the game alive, 
'■ Tho' ' [loundaditth Lo a shoe.' 



Come Pinder, there's a hall 
" Enough to tempt the Devil, 
You'll fox it, should it fall, 
" Behind the cushion level. 



60 SPREES OF THE HALL. 



12. 

Bravd ! it makes you nine, 
" The white is in the baulk. 
The red one's straight as line, 
" You'll fox him if you chalk. 



A very fine, bold stroke, 
" *Tts Newgate lu a pea,' 
Come I must drop my croak, 
" You're flooring me I see. 

14, 

Come, try it on again, 
" I see I'm fairly done, 
Just put me out of pain, 
" By jingo 1 — twenty-one. 



SPnEF.S OF THE HALL. 



The game is up, for look. 
You may a four stroke book 
Oh no ! the thing's alive. 
It is— you're twenty-five. 



THE CHALLENGE. 



" But who comes here, with face so fair, 
" With angel mien and flowing hair, 
" And eyes all bright, and heart all free, 
" come ye here the game to see ?" 



'' Yes," cried the maiden " I have come, 
" Unbless'd with trumpet's sound or drum, 
" And here I stand, and boldly cry, 
" ' \ challenge one to play — yes L* 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



3, 



" Nor look ye down in scorninj^ mood, 
" And deem me born of coward blood, 
" For I have come from the room below, 
" And with daring look I ken my foe." 



Then Harold boldly strode him forth, 
" O come ye here from south or north, 
" And why so fearlessly and free, 
" Do you throw challenge out to me ? 



" Are ye so skilled in Daring's power, 
" As to hope for mast'ry in this hour, 
" Or know you him whose skill you dare 
" With woman's feeble arm compare ?" 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 63 



Oh yes !" she cried, " I know hira well. 

He late in equal contest fell. 

And here with hand upon this hilt, 

I swear I saw his game-blood spilt." (23) 



No more !" he cried, " I cannot brook 
The cold disdain of that high look. 
So take your mace, shall woman's hand 
The skilful power of mine withstand ? 



Beware !" she cried, " nor be so bold. 
In parcel small I will thee fold, (.^^) 
So throw your vaunting scowl to heaven, 
Look to the score, and mark me seven. 



SPREES OF THK HALL. 



y. 



" What seven to LuiF! and shall this maid 
" With recompense of luck be paid, (25) 
" Oh, I fear not, she may go on, 
" I'll let her score till twenty-one." 



10 

Harold, the score." — " I've made a five, 
I'll keep this table-war alive. 
To five add two, then seven and seven. 
Will fourteen make for me — thank heaven ! 



" On Harold's brow a change there came, 
" To be by woman beaten — shame ! — 
" It shall be never ! — loud he cried, 
' Score me up ten — I'll stem the tide." 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



12. 



" Ah ! so you may," the maiden said. 
Bowing with laughter down her head, 
" And as you're near the score, put on, 
" A four and cannon, twenty-one." 



" Let fate seize on me, I am lost, 

" In billiard game hy woman crost, 

" Ah ! never, was my fame so low, 

" Quelled by the force of woman's blow !' 



Cease all your vaunting, cried the maid. 
Low in the dust henceforth be laid ; 
Look to the score, then look on me, 
■ Trutli lies in Iwtli, mark twenty-three " 



66 SPREES OF THE HALL. 



Harold, now hear — a female's hand 
• This day hath fell'd thee C^), — I command 

That henceforth all thy boasting be 
■ Beat by a woman ! — Harold flee." 

16. 

The clock strikes twelve in Salter's tower, (27) 
And now begins the sacred hour; 
Resign the cue— the contest cease. 
Nor aught disturb the Sabbath's peace." 



i 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



CANTO III. 



MORNING HYMN. 



The morn is breaking in its pride. 

O'er eastern sky expanded wide. 

The dissipating vapours fly. 

In silent mystic majesty. 

" The lark is up, and Nature flings (-^) 
" Her mellow tones o'er thousand strings. 



68 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



2. 

" No longer now is seen from far 

" The lustre of each fitful star, 

" No more the moon's pale glories beam, 

" In yonder solitary stream. 

" The lark, &c. 

3. 

"But one broad light dispels the gloom, 
" That shrouded Nature in her tomb ; 
" All shines in one resplendent ray, 
" The promise of a blissful day. 
" The lark, &c. 



" How fast those vapours disappear, 
" And roll before the eastern sphere ; 
" How cloudless now, how free, how bright 
" Appears that radiant world of light. 
" The lark, &c. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 69 



' All Nature seems to feel the love. 
Distilling' from the realm above , 
And all creation joins to raise. 
The voice of gratitude and praise. 
" The lark, &c. 



" The trout from out his shelter'd nook, 
" Springs to the current of the brook, 
" Now stems the playful eddying' tide, 
" Or leaps in circlets gath'ring wide. 
The lark, &c. 



" And the lone pike in sullen mood, 
" Darts on the minnow, savory food, 
" Or straight and motionless is seen (29) 
" Within the shadowing rushes green, 
" The lark, &c. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



" The morn is breaking in its pride, 
" O'er eastern sky expanded wide, 
" A day of rest from toil is given, 
" And God alone is seen in heaven. (30) 
" Let man awake when Nature brings, 
" Her matin praise from thousand springs. 



THE ARISING. 



Harold arose, nor had he cause for sleep. 
The early rays of Sol so bright did peep : 
To be in bed on such a glorious morning. 
Would be a sin, therefore be dous'd all yawning. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



'Twas well he found his sleep that night so good. 
For the next night the de'il a bit he could, 
And he was so beset with dire disasters, 
That well he needed goddess Sleep's pilasters. 



But now I only touch at what shall come 
Hereafter — here I cannot spare the room , 
If His room had been spared this work would be 
Shorter by lines some fifty-two or three.'' 



Harold arose and dressed himself anon. 
Brief was his cladding, straightway he was gone ; 
He was town togg'd, in Primefit'sbest arraying (.31), 
Bright was the Bond-street ray he glared that day in. 



72 Sl'REES OF TPIE HALL.. 



For Avell he guessed his anti-bumpkin dressing, 
Would cause, in church, that morn, an extra pressing' 
Of ladies fair, from out the village store-house 
Filling the church so full they'd almost need some 
more house. 



And well he ween'd that it was quite befitting. 
To dim the rays of dandy haw-bucks sitting. 
In church pew state, and rigid starch-bound throat, 
Apeing the cut and pad of special town-built <.-oat. 



Harold paced on along the staircase border, 
And silence reign'd all due to Sabbath order j 
Then sought the stairs, descending slow of foot. 
Noiseless was he, without the creek of boot. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 73 



8. 



Onward he went and sought the breakfast room, 
Refresh'd and garnlsh'd from the housemaid's broom 
Then took his place in order at the table, 
For matin meal prepared both fit and able. 



Ere long he sate the Castle Lord came greeting-. 
And free and gen'rous was his mode of meeting ; 
Then follow'd, like tlie rainbow's arch of beauty, C^-) 
The ladies' bright — to pay their early duty — 

10. 

Oh ! 'tis a sight that swells the heart to praise. 
And prompts in gratitude the hands to raise. 
When hearts all light and gay from slumber broken. 
Hail the glad morn and proffer mutual token. 



74 SPREES OF THE HALL, 



The breakfast o'er, and church time drawing near. 
All for their wonted duty now prepare ; 
Promptly obedient to the tinkling sound 
Frora village spire, which summons all around. 



THE DEPARTURE TO CHURCH. 



Now all arrayed— eacli gentleman engages, 
A lady fair to suit their diflferent ages ; 
Then sally forth, engross'd in soft discourse. 
And ne'er forget the church path is their course. 



i 



SPREES OF THE HALIj. 75 



And Harold's arm was link'd with one fair maid. 
To whom in varied accent much he said; 
And as they pass'd, each boy and girl paid duty. 
In lowly bow obedient to their shoe-tie. 



Oh ! 'tis a sight that fills the mind with joy. 
To catch the smile of peasant girl and boy ; 
And view the gratitude that blossoms there. 
Their best return for Patron's love and care. 



And those fair flowers are blessed who take the rule. 
O'er those who have the care of village school. 
And lend their time and care to instruct the mind : 
Heaven is their recompense, on earth a recompense 
they find. 



76 SPREES OF THE HALL, 



Their work is blessed— blessed is the joy. 
It is twice bless'd all full without alloy ; 
And while they point the rustic mind to Heaven, 
The brightest earnest of its bliss is given. 

6. 

As near the church-yard door the party drew. 
The muscles of each face in order flew ; 
For 'tis a sin below all others sinking. 
To be — near such a place — on folly thinking. 



THE CHURCH. 



THE OUT. 



The cliurcli that rose before their eyes (^^). 
Was well proportioned to its size. 

High rose its ancient tower ; 
It seem'd Time's withering- touch to tell, 
By every stone which crumbling fell 

Beneath his ruthless power ! 



The Architect, a skilful man. 
Had wisely chosen for his pla 



78 SPREES OF THIC HALL. 

The style of Gothic building ; 
For well he deem'd the place should be, 
Suited to calm solemnitj'. 

Without or shew or gilding. 

3. 
A peal of bells hung high above, 
A clock the flight of time to prove. 

And sun-dial on the wall ; 
It seemed that once the tower was bent. 
And yet a faithful buttress lent 

Its aid to save its fall. 

4. 
The portico that graced the front. 
Had firmly stood the storm's rude bnint. 

For a long tide of years : 
But latterly it seem'd to be, 
Tott'ring with mute infirmity. 

To excite the Warden's fears. 



Sl'REES OF THE HALL. 79 



Beneath the porch a rude seat stood. 
All curiously carved the wood. 

With many a rustic's name : 
But they, alas ! are seen no more, 
^^^l0 cut the settle to its core, 

To insure posthumous fame. 

6. 

And some crude verses there were grav'd. 
All luck to time that they were saved. 

To grace the album's page ; 
Some love-lorn clown had planted there. 
The death strains of his faithless fair. 

In most imbecile rage. 

7. 
And there, upon that spot, at night. 
Some maid would meet her wit-less wight, 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



With cautious step and falter : 
And she would say " I hope, dear John, 
" You will not love me here alone. 

But love me at the altar !'' 



How many a love-torn, love-sick maid. 
From time to time has been betrayed, 

By church-porch deep-sworn vow. 
Who never got her plighted spouse. 
To walk inside the sacred house 0^^), 

And make his marriaijfe bow. 



THE CHURCH. 



The entrance by the northern door. 
Was wide and had an ancient floor. 

Inlaid in curious fashion : 
And there six pillars of Saxon mould. 
In freshest white-wash proudly bold. 

Stood forth with many a gash on. 



In gazing at this ancient Church, 
The altar secm'd to suffer lurch. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



AVitliout illumination ; 
The frame-work of a window stood, 
Mj'steriously hid by wood. 

Exciting- rumination. 



But when the hour of church diivws near. 
This mystery appears more clear, 

As clear as mud in gutter ; 
For soon a painted window shines, 
Or window painted on two blinds v^^), 

Reveal'd by bolt-drawn shutter. 



The gallery boasts an instrument. 
From Day is (Charles) of London, sent 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 83 

Which does the maker credit : — 
As to the strummer on its keys, 
He seemed to play it A\'ith his knees. 

And dragg'd instead of led it. 



But well he tried the hundredth psalm. 
And drove it on without alarm. 

Because he knew he knew it ; 
The sun, the moon, and all the stars. 
Next glow'd in crotchets and in bars. 

For the bellows-blower blew it. 



•6 

The man who led the service through (^), 
Was faithful to his charge and true. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



And acted what he taught : 
Unlike the careless modern teachers. 
Who much prefer ^vith other preachers. 

To buy life as it's bought. 



And Harold all the sermon seem'd 
From worldly thoughts to be redeemed. 

Except one glance or two ; 
He gave the spot, where fifty eyes, 
Were gazing on him with surprize. 

In black, and grey, and blue. 



A square pew full of serving dames. 
All there alone without their flames. 



SPREES OF THE HALL, 



Excited his attention ; 
With bonnets fair, and dark brown hair. 
And eyes all stare, and bosoms bare; 

And more he cannot mention. 



9. 



And in the gallery, there was one 
AVho had his eyes full fixed upon, 

The ladies Harold sat nath : 
A fine old man, who long- had been. 
Away upon the distant main. 

All foreign language pat with. 



10. 



And when those ladies smiled, he seemed 
To recollect, that once he deemed 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 

A little clim-ch flash patter ; 
Not altogether out of place, 
Tho' then, he wore a dismal face. 

And thought it sinful matter. 

The sermon done, the organ roll'd 
Anew, with diapason bold, 

A summons for the exit : 
And I must cease— depart in peace, 
'Till I again renew this lease. 

Or when in church shall next sit. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



C.VNTO IV. 

THE PROPHESY. 
1. 

From church returned, the party sought the hower 
Which rises fair to sooth the sacred hour, 
And each a book of rare morality 
Unfolded mde before the azure sky. 

2. 

Then came the dinner hour, and then the tea. 
Nor did those moments carelessly all flee 
There is a calm which every mind should sv\ay, 
And Harold felt that calm — how merciful the day J 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



And soon the sun his parting glories shed. 
And soon the night led on the hour for bed, 
Then each retired, or shewed a wish to reap 
Mild, baliny influence from the god of sleep. 



Twas past the hour of one when Harold bent 
His way to rest, and. o'er the staircase leant, 
"Wliat soft, melodious accents stem his way. 
Hush, to the theme—" The red star sheds its ray. 



" The red star sheds its ray !"— He heard. 
And deemed it some deep trick deferred. 
Nor falsely spoke the warbling bird. 
The trutli ensues— prepare your heart to curd 



FIRST SPREE. 



The door was fast in Harold's room, 
One taper mocked the twilight's gloom, 

The time was half-past two. 
The night-bound mists were disappearing; 
Over the hills Sol's head was rearing 

Wlien he his curtain drew. 



And, as he trod the downy mound. 

He thouoht he heard a muttering sound. 



PO SPREES OF THE HALL. 

Mysteriously dim. 
And female voices seemed to be 
Mixed with the spell — and then to flee 

Like parting cherubim. 



3. 



And now and then a tittering- noise, 
'Twixt hope and fear his mind woidd poise. 

With sound of patting feet, 
Some mischief seemed to be o'the wing, 
Though yet lie did not feel its sting, 

Nor did he deem it meet. 



And as he lay a voice there came 
From out a blue, unearthly tlame. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. C)l 

" The red star sheds its ray !'' 
Then all at once ten thousand strings. 
Attached to bed-clothes, curtains, rings, 

Pulled each a separate way. 



And soon he found himself to be 
Very far gone in nudity. 

All earthly trappings were not ; 
And still the strings all tugged away. 
Leaving the pillow-case at bay, 

For Virtue's sake, oh stare not. 



6. 

Then from his mattrass couch he rose, 
Lost in dismay and direst pose. 



92 SPREES OF THE HALL. 



To seek the Spree's abettors ; — 
But just as he the door had found 
All sprawling- fell he on the ground, 

Caught in the stringy fetters. 



He thought to cut the cords anon, 
But found he had no small-clothes on. 

In which a knife miglit be. 
And all the while !oud bursts of laughter 
On the Spree's wind came roaring after. 

Mocking his misery ! 



" Revenge !" he cried, " let me catch one 
" Abettin? in this lair of fun. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 9^ 



" She'll mourn her birth-flaj-'s pride ; 
" The horse was fleet that bore this Spree, 
" I'll on his back spring- after thee, 

" 'Tis now my turn to ride." C'^) 



9- 



Then quickly all the noise withdrew, 
Swift as the wind the threatening' flew, 

" Away, away, away, 
" A * * * to your room, lock fast the door, 
" Nor tarry on the staircase floor, 

" Keep the wild wolf at bay !" 



Then Harold drew his stocking sleet ;- 
The door closed on him, he was fleet 



94 SPREES OF TUK HALL. 



Like England's, Richard, third king. 
On deep intent, with folded arms, 
And slow of foot, to save alarms. 

So still you'd hear a bird sing. 



Then at the door of a small place. 
To tell its name I've hardly face, 

But truth I can't dissemble, 
He list'ned, thought he heard a sound 
A patting, on the closet's ground 

A tremulate— a tremble. 



12. 

Then Harold raised him on a chair 
And quickly saw his captive there. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. QS 



Who begged him room for flying ; 
But he was stern, and pleased to find 
One captive in arrear of mnd, 

Tho' in such place 'twas trying. 



Nor long he stood in doubting mood 
^V]lether to fly or stay he should, 

For he espied the key ; 
Which fate had destined should be there. 
On the outside, to impound the fair 

And swell the tragedy. 



And as the key was near his hand. 
To turn it roimd he did not stand. 



96 SPREES OF THE HALL 



Or draw it from its socket ; 
The thing was done, his captive prayed 
To be released, but he essayed 

To put it in his pocket. 

15. 

At least he dropped it on the floor, 
For pockets lacked he then, and more, 

He only had a shirt on ; 
He stood as Edmund Kean, the actor. 
Stands to enact the Roman Lictor 

With a chemise just girt on. 



16. 



Then paced he forward with great care. 
Till stumblincr forward on a stair 



SPREES OF THE HALt. (^7 



His shin was sorely knock"d at ; 
'Twas well he lay there all alone, 
For being of our skin and bone. 

Might have been deeply shock *d : 



Then rising up he bent his course. 
On tott'ring shin impelled perforce, 

To encounter deepest danger ; 
And stretching out his arms, he tried 
To embrace the staircase passage wide. 

And grab the first fair Ranger. 



18. 



Then fleet in mood as Eaglet's wing, 
He stooped in attitude to spring, 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



And slowly crept the stair up ; 
And near tlie elbow of the flight. 
By shining- of the pale moon-light, 

He spied the spree-Nymphs there up. 

19. 

While drawing back one pace or more, 
He heard a pit-pat, on the floor 

A Nymph's fair form descended ; 
Then like a meteor from the sky 
He darted at her j— shrill the cry 

That solemn night-hour rended. 

20. 

She broke his hold and rushed away, 
Oh fly, escape ! — fly, while you may !" 



SPREES OF THE HAI.L. 99 



She screamed in loudest wailing ; 
" Shut fast the door, we're all undone, 
" Woe, woe betide if he catch one, 

" The deadly Foe's prevailing.'' 



Harold broke on — all danger fled 
Before him swiftly as he sped. 

Revenge me was his cry j 
Then fiercely at each door he shook. 
To wrench the hasp from out its nook. 
But vainly did he try. 



And he laugh'd loud to hear the din 
And flutter of the maids within, 



100 SPREES OF THE HALL. 



In fear about the lock ; 
And every wrench the good door had, 
Made them all quake, and sore afraid. 

Shock answering to shock. 



But finding that he could not gain 
Admittance there and tried in vain. 

He backward bent his way ; 
Nettled and sore, bedash'd he felt, 
To be so near the fair ones belt {^) 

And let her break away. 



Nor did his nettling just then cease, 
He thought to slink to bed in peace. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



And risk no further danger ; 
And little deemed (such fool was he) 
Outside his door he'd left the key 

To shut him from his manger. 



25. 



And sure enough the key was gone, 
And he stood there, cold and alone, 

The Biter fairly bitten ; 
Till one came up in vengeful mood. 
And shook him fiercely, as he stood 

His ribs were sorely smitten. 



He begged for Mercy, smft she flew. 
The door was wide, the bolt he drew. 



102 SPREES OF THE HALL. 

Worn out with inidnight ramble ; 
The terror o'er, the spree Nymphs fled, 
Almos with their long watching dead,. 

In helter-skelter scramble. 

27. 

The last scene closed, the curtain fell. 
Clamour withdrew, and midnight yell. 

Deep silence reigned around ; 
To sleep poor Harold could not settle. 
Till he pulled out a stinging nettle 

With liolly-prickles bound. 

28. 

Then Morpheus locked him in his arms. 
But gave him visions of alarms 



SPRKES OF THE HAI.L. 

Which checked and broke his sleeping; 
The Nightmare reigned upon his breast, 
And he had any thing but rest. 

Till broad day-light was peeping. 



INCIPITUR TO THE SECOND SPREE. 



A change came o'er the spirit of the Sprees, 
As Sunbeams tinge or fade the forest trees. 
As Wintry winds precede the summer breeze. 
As the pale Moon before day's Chariot flees. 
As hearts will all be love, and then as strangely freeze. 
Or changing as the Pilgrim's face when he the night- 
wolf sees. 



SECOND SPREE. 



In Finder's Dome the lamp was dim, 
Hush'd was the calm Venetian hymn. 

Flat candlesticks assembled ; 
Harold took his, and he essayed 
Foremost upon the stairs to tread. 

The cause he did dissemble. 



And when he gained his bed-room flight. 
To suit his plan he doused his light. 



106 SPREES OP THE HALL. 



And laid him on his back ; 
And there as dead and cold he lay, 
Speechless and pale, and stiff as clay, 

As if he'd fallen, whack ! 



His candlestick lay on his chest. 
Fixed was his eye, his lips close prest. 

He seemed all freed from earth ; 
No one who saw him lyint^ there. 
Would deem it fiction, or prepare 

To see him rise in mirth. 



The servants first to bed up went. 
And half in fear o'er Land-rail leant 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 107 



To gaze upon him lying ; 
Some deemed it fun, while others thought 
It was a joke too dearly bought, 

If he dissemlded dying. 



llien came the inmates of the Hall, 
On mischief brewing one and all. 

And deemed him snug in bed ; 
And little thought they that before 
The second spree was on the floor. 

Their victim would be dead 



For dead he seemed, tho' they began 
To rouse his life to one short span, 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



By pulling at his nose ; 
And boasted soon that they would make 
The dead man from his sleep awake. 

But he nor winced nor rose. 



Then one cried out with roar of laugliter, 
" Lyndon, bring out your jug of water, 

" And drown him if not dead :" 
Then o'er his hands, his feet, his face, 
The watery torrent rolled apace. 

And down his bosom sped. 



But he ne'er changed his deatli-Iike form 
And stiif he lay without alarm. 



Sl'REES OF THE HALL. lOi) 



Unheeding that cold j3ood ; 
Then cried another, " draw a knife, 
" If he's not gone we'll rescue life 

" By ounce or two of blood." 

9- 

But he well knew before its starting 
This threat would be all, " Betty Martin, 

To leave out " all my eye ;" 
In purpose firm, he lay more cold 
Than ever, in his project bold 

Determined to he. fly- 



10. 



Then Lyndon brought a pot of jelly. 
And leaning forward on his " stomach, 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



He forced some clown his grinders ; 
This would not do, for still he lay. 
And one cried out, " Let's light some hay, 

" And biu-n his trunk to cinders." 



11, 

But ere this last threat was obeyed, 
A lady cried, " I think him dead, 

" 'Tis now no time for joking; 
•' For he has borne all things that make 
" A man, that is not dead, awake 

" In tickling, drenching, poking.'' 



12. 



His hand falls dead, his lips are pale. 
He's one cold mass from head to tail. 



SPREES OF TUE HALL 



" He could not feign so nearly; 
' Let's raise liim up upon a chair, 
' And damp his brow, and dry his hair, 

" He's gone — I think so really." 



Then some looked queer uith faces long. 
And changed the burthen of their song, 

" Let's hope it's not the case : 
" Perchance he swoons — oh get some aid, 
" Lyndon, will you call Ann the maid ?" 

" Yes, ma'am, I'll run apace.'' 



14, 



Tlien Harold thro' his eyelids peeped, 
Tho' glued as if in sise they'd steeped 



U2 SPREES OF THE HALL. 



For a whole year or more ; 
And thus, mlhin himself, he said, 
" I see no fun in lying dead, 

" 'Tis a confounded bore." 



Then watching a good time to spring, 
He darted forward on the ring 

Of ladies bland around him ; 
Away they ran in heedless flight, 
He chaced them close, both left and right. 

And mortal many found him. 



16. 



But soon a sight his eyes assailed 
Which o'er all other jokes prevailed. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 

To reud his sides \vith laughter ; 
For Finder's head was jammed between 
The staircase rails with arms unseen. 

His body hanging after. 

17. 

And there he was to watch the sight. 
So deep in interest on that night. 

With serious look intent ; 
Like Chinese man in yoke he stood. 
Surrounded with the hanging wood. 

As if to Coventry sent. 

18. 

Then each to bed prepared to go, 
Tho' some went warily and slow, 

I 



IPREES OF THE HALL. 



For reasons they knew best ; 
And Harold dropped from jade and tire, 
A trick was laid but it missed fire, 

Adown he sunk to rest. 



INCIPITUR TO THE THIRD SPREE. 



Then o'er the Sprees another chang'e there came. 
They \vere all multiform, nor twice appeared the 

same. 
As tind'ry sparks assume a bright or paler flame. 
As pace like varies in the blind or lame. 
As beasts develope power, or l)e they wild or tame, 
As plaintifif and defendant change within the Courts 
of claim. 



THIRD SPREE. 



Night came once more, a dreaded night. 
Prepared for Spree of loftiest flight. 

All former Sprees transcending ; 
'Twas well a Magistrate lived near. 
Who might perchance that revel hear 

The veil of slumber rending. 



And on each face a knowing look 
The hope of sleep in Harold shook. 



Il6 SPREES OF THE HALL. 



For well he guessed its meanino- ; 
And whispering- voices came and tied. 
With hidden eye and downcast head 

All busy mischief teeming. 



And then the Lady of the House, 
Quite harmlessly addressed her Spouse, 

" My dear, poor Jane is ill ; 
" I think Id better go and try 
" To give her something, she may die 

" Without or dose or pill " 



Away she went, and soon came back, 
" The Servant's very ill, good lack ! 



SPREES OF THK FIALL. 

" I liope she'll mend ere morning : 
And soon I must step up again. 
And see her, she is in greitt pain, 
" I fear she'll give me warning." 



Now all this chaffing seemed to be 
In Harold's mind a mystery. 

Although it bore a shade 
Of earnest from the fair one's zeal. 
But little dreamed him, he should feel 

The sickness of the maid. 



The sequel will anon dispense 
Of all aforesaid deep pretence. 



SPREES or THE HALL. 



About the maiden Jane, 
The nose might tell a different story, 
AMiose foot sunk deep, when in his glory (^) 

Poor Chanticleer was ta'en? 



7. 

But I will not by piecemeal tell 

A Spree that was performed so well, 

I give to all due credit ; 
Nor will I touch on Harold's look. 
How his eye scanned the fated book. 

And guessed, before he read it. 



And soon the exit summons came. 
The table glared mth many a flame 



SI'REES OF THE HALL. lly 



From divers candles lighted ; 
Harold's burnt blue— and omens dire 
Begirt the dim, unearthly fire. 

His hope of rest was blighted. 



For he was one who long had scanned. 
Of candle ills the numerous band. 

The winding sheet — the pall : 
And those dread signs old women fear. 
By most abjured, to him were clear. 

And he believed them all. 



For why should fire or rush-light be 
Denied the acts of agency. 



420 bVREES OF THU HALi, 



Of mysteries the handle ; 
All men have each a separate gate, 
Thro' which they learn the will of fate. 

Now I believe in candle. C^*^) 



11. 

Then Harold paced his way to bed. 
And near his door the blue fame sped. 

Which told the spot of danger ; 
He scann'd each dormitory nook. 
With trembling foot and pallid look. 

Of Wild Oats he the Ranger. 



12. 

But all seem'd safe, nor could he trace 
That any thing was out of place. 



>rnEES OF THE HALL 



So into bed he rolled ; 
All lost in silence seemed to be, 
Excepting that the hour of three 

From Salter's turret tol'ed. 



Harold slept soiuidly till the hour, 
"\Mien morning clouds begin to low'r. 

And then he heard a chucking ; 
A sort of restless flapping sound, 
Seemed to encompass him around, 

Like plash of wild-fowl ducking. 

14. 

Amazed he lay in thinking mood. 
To scan the plot, if scan he could. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



And Still the noise prevailed ; 
He deemed it strange at break of day. 
That any spree should hold its sway. 

Or he with it assailed. 



And as he cast his eye above. 

He saw the bed-tick covering move, 

A scratching noise ensued : 
The bed seemed bound in mystic spell. 
And he cried out " am I in h— 11, 

" Or with my wits endued ?'' 

16. 

Nor long he mused, when shrUl and clear. 
Enough to deafen Pluto's ear. 



IPREES OF THE HALL. 



And rend tlie chamber through ; 
Aloft in giddy twirl from ceiling. 
His morning song incessant pealins 

Dropt " cock-a-doodle-doo.'' 



Then round the room, in sore dismay. 
He flapped his wings and broke away. 

With anger sore betaken. 
Till Harold grabbed him on the floor, 
To give him exit at the door. 

And scope the house to waken. 



Then on the staircase of the Hall 
He clucked with miser v's wildest call, 



SI'REES OF THE HALI,. 



And loud the echo sounded ; 
For nothing could his rage controul. 
He dashed as race-horse to the goal, 

Be-devil'd, torn, confounded. 



19. 

And the shrill summons quickly sped. 
Swift flew the cry from bed to bed. 

Alarm the Hall pervaded ; 
More dread and dire than cackling Goose, 
Ere Carthage valor was let loose, 

Invading and invaded. 

20. 

And soon his clarion voice awoke 

The serving-man, from short snoose broke. 



SrUEES OF THE HALL. 

Brief was his scant attire ; 
And pale was Saunders on that morn. 
With gaiters lax, and beard unshorn. 

As if begirt with fire. 



The angry bird flashed by his face. 
And he essayed to check his pace 

By catching at his wing ; 
Nor did he fail— as one might tell 
From that loud wail— as if from hell, 

A summons there did i-ing. 

22. 

Then gathering up the kingly fowl. 
He laid him snugly cheek by jowl 



1?6 SPREES OF THE HALL. 

In a most rigid ball ; 
And from the window's sill he dropt him. 
Then back again to bed he popped him. 

In grievous plight and maul. 



In Fowl-house territory keep, 
He found his Harem fast asleep, 

And all in order good ; 
The war had been so fierce and smart. 
That much he took it to his heart, 

'Twas natural he should. 

24. 

And all day long in roosting mood, 
With plumage sorely plucked he stood. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



Nor joined tlie feather'd crew : 
Absent from mid-day meal was lie, 
Nor at tlie bowl, or feeding tree. 

And fixed as if by glue. 

Deep silence o'er the Hall reposed. 
Each eye in calmest sleep was closed, 

Nor snore that stillness broke. 
Excepting one from out the room 
Where lay the untimely waken'd Groom 

But mellow was his croak. 



26. 



He would have heard whose vigil kept 
That stilly watch while others slept. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



All was SO death-like — mute 5 
The vibrate of a thought on wing, 
The softest touch of a dulcet string. 

Or the spider's pale thread shoot. 



INCIPITUR TO THE FOURTH SPREE. 



A final change came o'er the Sprees in sorrow. 

And deeply were they tinged in thy sad gloom to- 
morrow ; 

Yet start not back, nor deem they savoured all of 
horror. 

But from the past lake tints and glowing colors bor- 
row ; 

Shall we not smile in youth, though age the broiv 
shall furrow ? 

So we will smile e'en now, though fears may come 
while you the fourth Spree follow. 



FOURTH SPREE. 



"Your face is pale, my lovely child, 
" And hurried is your mien and wild, 

" I fear the walk was longj 
" Under the sun's bri;^ht, shining ray, 
" I ween you lost your strength to-dayj 
" 'Tis true — and it was wrong. 



On outset we felt no alarm, 

< 'ur path was graced with many a charm. 



SPRKES OF THE HALL. 131 



Said Harold to the fair ; 
" And then all Nature seemed to smile, 
" And the long treacherous way beguile 

" With beauteous flo\vers and rare. 



" And Cashiotbury looked so bright, 
" It made the cheerful heart run light, 

" Beyond its strength and power; 
" And full I hope that no alarm, 
" Will either of the fair ones harm, 

" Arising from that hour." 



Thus Harold spoke, for well he knew 
The fair were tired, and tliis he drew 



132 SPREES OF THE HALL. 



From his own languid mood ; 
Aud thns he said — " If woman's strength 
" E"er shot beyond man's liberal length, 

" 'Tis fitting now it should." 



It was agreed, an early cup 

Of tea should bear their spirits up. 

And rally back their bloom ; 
For lily hues had tu'en the place 
Of roseate tints on each fair face, 

AVith more of fear than gloom. 



And there was one of all the three. 
Who seemed to droop most witheringly. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 133 



A violet bent witli dew ; 
And feeble Nature's feebleness, 
More slowly drawn, grew less and less, 

Dim was that eye of blue. 



Oh 'tis a sight that chills the heart. 
To see the heavenly hues depart 

From lovely woman's eye ; 
If there's a power within the soul. 
Its better nature to controul. 

And try it — this will try. 

8. 

And where is he of human mould. 
Who then from pity can withhold. 



134 Sl'ftEES OF THE HALL. 

To cherish sympathy ; 
To coldly gaze nor feel a power 
Come o'er him in such painful hour. 

Speaks all of apathy. 



Man has some pity in his breast. 
Or he'd abjure this mortal vest. 

And loathe the chilly clay ; 
Tho' there are some who scarcely prove. 
They feel this kindred touch to love. 

It melts so soon away. 

10. 

And some there are who feel tlie most, 
Tho' certainly they cannot boast 



SPREES OF THE HALL. I 3.'> 



The outward show and mien ; 
The deepest feelings always lie 
Hidden from vulgar scrutiny. 

While shallow ones are seen. 



There is a matchless loveliness. 
In feeble liour that w-ill impress 

With an unearthly art ; 
A woman's form so pure and pale. 
Like cherub's face mthin the veil. 

And marble lips apart. 

12. 

The dewy brow, the closing eye. 
The teniper'd gaze of vacancy. 



136 SPREES OF THK HALb. 



Are dear to classic mind ; 
Oh that such form from earth were free, 
Sever'd from pain and agony ! 

A model how refined ! 



13. 

Such form I've seen as Grecian art. 
Could never in her taste impart, 

Tho' Phidias ruled the day 5 
And some I know who still may vie 
With forms of rare antiquity, 

As beautiful as they. 

14. 

Tliough all shine not in l)eauty's grace, 
Nor boast a finished mould or face. 



SPKEES OF THE HALL 137 



Still there is much to love ; 
The mind will beam and light the eye. 
With winning truth and modesty, 

And more than lovely prove. 



And men might gaze, and sun their eyes. 
In each pure grace as calm it lies 

Within its holy shrine ; 
Till they would almost feel a charm 
Beyond the power of earth to harm. 

Mysterious, yet divine 

16. 

Such varied gifts in them we see. 
And perfect all in their degree. 



oS SPllEES OF THE HALL. 

Man will, and must, admire ; 
This world without them would appear 
A trackless, desolated sphere, 

A chilly dungeon dire. 

17. 

And men would wander to and fro. 
In misery's deepest, deadliest show. 

All spiritless and dull ; 
As if in search of some faint ray. 
To gild their cold, unearthly day, 

So loathsome, void and null. 



Oh, while we live within the light 

Of their soft smiles, so warm and bright. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



Let US esteem the boon ; 
For quickly comes the last chill hour. 
When love and hate must yield their power. 

With some it may be soon. 



19. 



But I must clip my soaring plume. 
Or I shall leave but scanty room 

For that which follows now ; 
I must pourtray the closing acts, 
And merge chimericals in facts. 

With a most solemn brow. 

20. 

Before I start I'll give one hint. 
Or my humanity may tint 



SrUIiES OF THE HALL 



With an uncourtly hue ; 
Before the facts I now rehearse 
Were modelled to this shape of verse, 

I wept in feeling true. 



I say I wept, because all thought 
My sympathy was scarcely wrought, 

With their reality ; 
Tis true I felt, but could not veil 
A smile that would my brow assail, 

I tried— it would not fly. 

22. 

For in the grouping of those scenes. 
The serious had such go-betweens 



SPnEES OF THE HALL. 



Of comic shade and light j 
That I, of all men in the world, 
Should have heen fast asleep, or hurled 

In distance on that nicrht. 



23. 



But I begin— to bed-room rest, 
Within the Hall retired each guest. 

Save Harold, luckless youth ! 
And he, for fun, must creep behind 
The spree-nymphs in each nook and wind. 

Of staircase path, forsooth ! 



And when they reached their destiny, 
A shriek burst sudden, shrill and high 



42 SPREES OF THE HALL. 

It was a tone of grief ; 
And yet he deemed it all a jest, 
And linked its import with the rest, 

^uch was his judging — brief. 



But still the wail was loud and told, 
More than mere jesting could unfold, 

And he turned pale with fear ; 
And hurried steps the chamber paced. 
And whisperings said, " She's tightly lured, 

" Oh rouse yourself, my dear." 

26. 

Then Harold darted from his nook, 
Mock-modestv his mind forsook. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



The chamber door was wide ; 
Within reclined, by glimmering light. 
He saw a form all deadly white. 

And one that form beside. 



27. 

And he essayed to raise her arm, 
And gently spoke in accents calm. 

Befitting her faint mood ; 
And never was his hand so blessed. 
As when that pallid arm he pressed. 

Impassioned as he stood. 



And scents and water lent their aid, 
To rouse the fainting, drooping maid. 



14i SPREES OF THE HALL. 



And sooth her marble brow ; 
Cosmetics failed, and limpid stream 
Passed idly as an idle dream. 

All unavailing- now 



The deeper shades of paleness shed 
A tono tint, like an infant dead. 

Across that seeming life ; 
So calmly mute and motionless, 
Like freedom from the long distress. 

Of pain's unequal strife. 

30. 

Thus lay the fair— and soon her wail 
To others told the dismal tale. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



The danger quickly sped ; 
" Hush ! did you not hear that dismal cry 
" Put on your clothes, my dear, and fly, 

" I'm sure there's some one dead.'' 



Then first the Lady of the Hall, 
Obeyed the dictate of that call, 

And gathered garments brief; 
With hasty step, in fluttering mood. 
She strode the staircase, rood by rood. 

To offer quick relief 

32. 

But scarce slie reached the chamber door. 
When staggering dropt she on the floor, 

L 



146 SPREES OF THE HALL. 



With a most piercing cry ; 
" She faints ! she swoons !'' the echo ran, 
" Fly to the maids ! call up the man ! 
" Above I below! on high!" 

33. 

Then Harold, like a glance of fire. 
Shot up the stairs a story higher, 

" Matilda ! Saunders ! Cook ! 
" Put on your things 1 oh, never mind ! 
" Come as you are, without your rind, 

" Oh, never mind the look !" 



34. 

Then back he rushed in heedless flight. 
Swift as a meteor to the sight. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 



With pallid brow and mien ; 
The drama of that fearful hour. 
Was all arrayed with pointed power. 

As Frankenstein has been. 



35. 

Ere Harold reached that fated room. 
Where all was fear, and dread, and gloom, 

A form sped swiftly by : 
A woman's shape all tightly laced. 
In dressing-gown, with girdle braced, 

And night-cap all awry. 



Who could desist from laughter then ? 
He who gazed once would gazeagen. 



148 SPREES OF THE HALL. 



Especially as she 
\Mio wore this case, of motley guise. 
Had charming hair and blissful eyes, 

Age, scarcely thirty-three. 



It was ill-timed, and most impure, 
But fits of laughter have no cure, 

Tho' fitting 'tis they should ; 
Especially when ladies faint. 
And o'er such moods have no restraint, 

"\^'oll't pull up if tlicy could. 

38. 

Now figure to yourself a stage. 
And characters of every age 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 

In motley grouping there ; 
Of serving-maids and cooks free born, 
And ladies fair, and men unshorn, 

Unslipper^d, cold, and bare. 

Such was the scene, mixed up with all 
That will revive, brace up, recall. 

In waters, scents, and pill ; 
Th' unlace, the pillow, bathe of brow. 
The, " how d'ye feel?'' — " how are you now?'' 

All that will save or kill. 



40. 



And Harold stood with moody face on. 
Projecting forth a special bason. 



IJO SPREES OF THE HALL. 



Called, " Stay— I have forgot !" 
He deemed its usefulness might save 
Large discount on the limpid wave. 

Or trouble, or what not. 



41. 



And on his rear he cast one look. 
Which all his former staidness shook. 

For Saunders, silly youth! 
In quest of water had found out 
A thing of clay that held about 

A kilderkin, forsooth !• 



The fainting ladies soon began 

To lose their fearful symptoms wan. 



SPUEES OF THE HALL. 



And color came to bless 
Those cheeks so calm, and o'er them shed 
That hue of life so lately fled. 

In hour of nothinraess. 



43. 

The night was far advanced withal. 
And each obeyed tbe unerring call 

^Miich Nature gives to man 3 
A call to sleep, that world of thought, 
All-teacliing — in itself untaught, 

A rest from life— a span. 

44. 

A something, with a power of sense. 
Unreal— real, a cold pretence, 



J52 SPREES OF THE HALL. 



An act of reason dim ; 
A thin<f of faculty— a dream, 
A path to fame — a treacherous stream, 

A choir, a tone, a hymn, 

45. 

An hour of love — a world of hate, 
A theme of joy — a mist— a date, 

A drear eternity ; 
The throne— the judge— a judgment given, 
A lure from earth — a glimpse of heaven, 

A test— a scrutiny. 

46. 

And this is sleep, that mystic change. 
That gild to fancy's wondrous range. 



SI'IIEES OF THE HALL. 153 

That resting-place af life ; 
The Sprees must rest, and here they drop. 
Wound up at last, without a prop. 

To wage the unequal strife. 

47. 

Let Wisdom stare, and Virtue look 
In cold disdain on this, my book, 

I care not, I, at all ; (^') 
In careless hour my pen I took. 
All heedlessly my lyre I strook. 

Alike to stand or fall. 



FINALE A LA BYRON. 



Reader, farewell ! my errors spare — forgive. 
Pardon the Poet for his subject's sake. 
The theme will never die with me, but live. 
And hours of bliss gone by, endear, and make 
From colorings of the past the present take : 
Not so with you— this work Avill soon be dead. 
The relish of an hour like bridal cake 
WTiich quickly vanishes when two are wed. 
What recks it then to me — I write not now for bread. 



SPRHES OF THE HALL. lOD 

2 

Some write for fame, some honor, and some cash, 
I never heeded the dull, scribbling- crew. 
Nor zest have I to boil to rags, or hash 
In critic cauldron sauced by a review, 
Wliere all are lie-bound, sparing one or two, (,■*-) 
And never could I stoop to such pretence, 
As some I know for higher daring born. 
Who chill their genius down to suit the pence 
Of those they basely cringe to— menials shorn of 
sense. 

3. 

I sang in days of yore, and now again I chaunt, 
I love the muse, aye more than she loves me, 
'Twere cold when girls said—" vs^rite,'' to say—" I 

shan't," 
And unbecoming Gordon, George, Lord B., 
That star of song, that son of poesy. 



lo6 SPREES OF THE HALL. 



And so it is, I cannot now recall 
The errors that are past, yet I may flee 
To loftier heights and dare a deadlier fall. 
Although I spurn not quite each stanza of "The 
Hall." 



But here I cease, the world has nought for me, 
I never lured its favor or its smile. 
Born as I am to stern futurity. 
And bear of deadly ills a deadlier pile ; 
Tho' once I deemed I might my path beguile 
With here and there a flower— it was vain, 
I've learnt to pace the prisoned soul's chill aisle. 
And HTap myself Avithin its galling chain. 
Though sunny hours may glow there — feverish, 
short, and vain. 



SPREES OF THE HALL. 1.57 



s. 

My task is done, my song' hath ceased, my theme 
Has died into an echo — it is fit 
The quires should rest of this protracted ream ; 
The Sprees are now extinguished, which have lit 
I\Iy oil-less lamp— and what is ^^Tit is writ. 
Would it were happier, but I write not now 
As I was wont to write — my metres grit 
Less tuneftdly before me, and the flow 
Which in my fountain was, is muddyish, scant, and 
low. 



I rest me now upon the Stanmere bridge, 
And gaze within the lucid rill below. 
And thus I muse, how faulty is this ridge. 
How crazy are its piers, how soon they'll go. 
And to the stilly waters tell their tale of woe ; 



158 SPREES OF THE HALL. 



So let it be — it boots not me to gaze 
Upon this thing of ruin — I am so — 
The inheritor of ills, and all my days 
Shall mournfully drag on, unpitying, without praise. 



7. 



Pond Rickman woos me with its duck-weed face. 
Those unreflecting waters suit me well ; 
My tears will flow all feelingly apace, 
^Miile o'er their muteness I my sorrows tell, 
Unsavouring of heaven, and savoured all of hell ; 
Would that those waters had the power to lave 
A soul all crimeful— sins we dare not tell, 
I'd break their silence up and seek a grave, 
]f they had healing power, such deadly deeds to waive, 



SPREES OF THE HALL. l.',9 



But then the thought that there may come an 

hour 
Of moody reminiscence, and a sting- 
So girt withal in wrongs of deadliest power ; 
The will — the tameless passions— yea a thing 
That hath been, and yet is, a thought on wing ; 
When all the captives of the feverish soul 
Pent up in anguish, watch a time to spring. 
And leave the man a wreck without controul, 
Tt may be that he hangs, takes swan-shot, or the bowl. 



Fare-thee-well Rickmansworth ! adieu to all 
That fans the passion, or that woos the eye. 
Thy sacred edifice— that turret tall 
Which points in beauty to the cloudless sky, 
A mystery of art in Nature's luxury; 



J 00 SPREES OF THE HALL. 

I say farewell ! till I shall meet agen 
That loveliness of thine, with thoughts that fly 
The scum of cities, and the haunts of men, 
And find companionship in sunbeam, tree, and glen. 



I say farewell ! for now I hear the approach 
Of rattling engine, and the fier}' steed. 
And catch at intervals th' unwelcome coach. 
And Wyatt busy at his work of need. 
That long defile of thong inducing speed ; 
And I am booked by that same car to go 
From hills of beauty and the emerald meed. 
To London's dirty city where the Po — 
The Thames, I mean — runs dart-like, deep and 
low. (■»•■») 



SI'REES OF THE HALL. 161 



11. 

Soon M-ill Saint Paul's and tliat lone Monument 
WLich stands on Fish-street Hill, to me appear ; 
That mighty column, mightier Wren upsent, 
In times of Papal daring and of fear, 
A dread, momentous, agonizing year : 
When from a work-shop, in a garret high, 
An over-bubbling pitch-vase, shavings nigh, 
Spread such a fire o'erwhelming canopy. 
It reached from Pudding-lane, to reckless corner Pye. 



Anon Saint Bride, and Dunstan's erring plate, C"*^) 
The dome of Rowland, Astley's, Surgeon's Hall ; 
New Bedlam, Drury-Lane, the Fleet, Lud-gate, 
The Temple, Albany, Bow-steeple tall. 
All things that rise from Mill to Wapping Wall, 



l62 SPREES OF THE HALL. 



Shall meet these eye-lids, and in me create 
Such loathing hatred, with a sting- withal. 
That I could spurn my coming link-like fate, 
And shun all works of art in stucco, brick, and slate. 



13. 



But so it is, and I cannot now repine. 
My doom is London, and I must submit. 
The Thames flows thickly after Rhone or Rhine, 
But London is the rallying place of wit, 
Of art, of science, all things that are writ ; 
It boasts of excellence which can o'erpower 
All former wonders giant minds have knit, 
A world within itself, a sea-girt tower, 
To which all other cities meekly bend and cower. 



iPREES OF THE HALL. Ifi3 



14. 

I could revert to ***** * 



* * a day all sun ; 



********** 

* ******* 

* * * * no matter, it is done. 



NOTES. 



NOTES AND ILLUSTRATIONS. 



Note I, page 5. 

" two are coming, 

'* Wyatt's horu is sounding." 
Wyatt is a coachman and proprietor, well known 
ou the Watford road ; he is also a man of excellent 
native wit and humour ; his sayings and scraps are 
eagerly caught at, and retailed by the understrappers 
and hangers on of stable-yards, and his brethren of 
the thong in general. 

Note 2, page 7. 
" And if men must ride on a rug, 
" They must not ride at all." 
This idea is somewhat obscure ; however, it is ad- 
missible in its connection ; the word rug here signi- 
fies the inside of the coach— metaphorically. 



Note 3, page 8. 

" And near the place where Staflford lives." 

Mr. Staflford, tlie respected clerk of the Bow-street 
establishment, lives on the brow of the hill, where 
the coach-wheel is usually locked in going into Rick- 
mansworth. 

Note 4, page 8. 

" To woman's hand the rein he gives." 

A bad practice at any time, but especisilly under 
such circumstances ; I think the third of Geo. IV. 
would meet this case. — Maniat in Banco. 

Note 5, page 10. 

" who fill the page, 

" Of Jerry rows the cream." 

A reference is here made to those three notorious 
Bons of " out and outer" patter flash, Tom, Jerry, 
and Logic, whose sprees and rambles are too well 
known, and have been too often recorded on the log- 
books of divers " Charley Cribs," to need comment 
from me. 



Note 6, page 10. 

" And plough a little in the rut 
'• Determined for these lines." 

Falstaff. — He lost his line in that same cunning 
speech ; but fell into the rut again-— Shakspeare. 

Note 7, page 11. 

" The other is what Charles would fain 
" A subject his should be " 
It is said of Charles the Second, that hearing two 
la\vj'ers were flourishing in his day, he mandated 
that the one should be hung in chains as an ensam- 
ple to the survivor. It had its effect, the survivor 
gave up business. — Blackslone' s Cnmm. 

Note 8, page 12. 

" more I cannot tell 

" Or he'll employ one Sergeant Pell." 
The Learned Sergeant nobly defended the pro- 
fession when one of its members kick'd at a shilling 
in lieu of a guinea, which he had received with a 
subpoena. 



170 



Note 9, page 14. 

" when the meeting- 

" Of strangers was hailed i)y the castle lord's greet- 
ing." 

" It was y"^ custome in those dayes of righte hos- 
pitalitie, whenever a stranger arrived at a nobleman's 
domaine on a visite, to attendehim inpersone on his 
comeing in at y^ gate." — Le Brun's Hist. v. ii. p. 283. 

Note 10, page 17. 
"■ But coldness at all when a woman's the cause." 
The man who is lukewarm in a woman's cause is 
unsafe with the title. A late national martyr suf- 
fered from the supineness of her friends and the ran- 
cour of her enemies, to the indelible disgrace of 
this boasted, civilized country. Lattacoo blushes 
for us, I liear so, at least, from Mr. Campbell. 

Note 11, page 20, 

" Bolougaro and IVIayence, Amsterdam, and some 
others 

" Were fairly discussed " 

Bolongaro and Mayence make a capital mixture, 
in fact, the best that can be. I give this opinion to 



regulate those smifF-takers who may be tired of their 
accustomed mixture, and are seeking a change j 
Hudson of Oxford-street, sells the best of this de- 
scription ; though Proctor's is excellent. 

Note 12, page 20. 

" whose presence will ever, 

" From enjoyment's alloy its reality sever." 
" If it were not for the salutary influence of female 
society on the minds and manners of men, we should, 
even in this enlightened age, soon recede into bar- 
barism; real enjoyment is to be found in their com- 
pany, and in books of merit and worth; — there is 
danger elsewhere."— Lorc^ Chesteifield. 

Note 1 3, page 21. 
" 'Tis a plan most abhorrent in city or town, 
" For a bevy of men to sit themselves down 
" And quaff from the goblet with licence uncheck'd." 
" Much of the sensuality and profaneness which of 
late years seems, in an increased degree, to have 
deluged society, in my opinion may be traced up, 
withal, in a great measure, to your civic feasts and 
entertainments." — Irving' s Orations- 



172 NOTES. 

Note 14, page 21. 
" Tlien on with the wassail ye boasters who can, 
" You may boast the resemblance, but I am the 
man." 

Some of my friends may think me hypocritical in 
this remark — be it so ; I am not a stranger to those 
advantages which, of late years, have arisen from the 
improvement in female education ; they have success- 
fully combated revelling and drunkenness in private 
societies. 

Note 15, page 24. 

" Pledge anew, my flower!" 

A Tom and Jerry term, signifying a " kiddy swell." 

Note 16, page 25. 

" Harold, try it, you are down." 

lb. that is, " fly," or " up," or " awake," not 

'• green," •' leary." 

Note 17, page 50. 
" The urn was on a mat " 
It was not SO; — I must do the Party justice here; 
the tea was made out of the room— a much more 
fashionable way. 



i 



NOTES. 173 

Note 18, page 50. 
The steamy columns safely mount." 
From the foregoin"- remark this is rendered nuga- 
ly, as far as regards the steam of the urn. 



tory 



Note 19, page 51. 
" It was the hour with them when wit, 
" If any be, will flow." 

Dr. Johnson has said, " wine does not give wit, 
but it rubs it up." 

Note 20, page 53. 

" against all worldly follies rant, 

" Tho' drenching a tureen." 

I have often seen a man in company, who, while 
decrying the evils of sensual indulgences, has, as it 
were, incautiously, taken three doses of turtle from 
the tureen placed before him. 

Note 21, pa^e54. 

" wink and press, 

" The dupes of their own lie." 
Let me be understood here, I give not a slap at 
moral, steady men, who act as men should act; I 



174 



wish there were more of them in the world, but the 
hit is intended for those who, for secular ends, make 
outward profession, and are inwardly devils — there 
are many about town just now — JMouth of jMay. 

Note 22, page 55. 

" ' myself in cue, 

" * 'Tis Fleet-street to a broom.' " 
A slang, accustomary term, signifying great odds, 
" Waterloo-bridge to a hand-rail ;" " Lombard-street 
to an orange ;" " Fenchurch-street to a fig," &c. &c. 
are in vogue at strips, set-toos, and other Jerryish 
amusements. 

Note 23, page 63. 

" this Hilt, 

" I swear I saw his game-blood spilt." 

Signifying the drooping of Harold's courage when 
his fair adversary beat him. 

Note 2*, page 63. 

" nor be so bold, 

" In parcel small will I thee fold.'' 
The phrase of being folded up in a small parcel I 
should think obvious to all in its meaning ; however. 



to unlock the mystery of the term to those in doubt, 
I jfive its meaning. A man in the minor key at an 
argument, may come under this term. A man reek- 
ing from a severe horse-whipping bout may meet it. 
A fatalist in a duel will absorb its fullest meaning. 

Note 25, page 64. 

" Should this maid 

" With recompense of luck be paid." 

To the credit of my female competitor, she played 
not by luck, but from unerring certainty ; had I 
known this fact before, I should have declined her 
challenge, and saved my reputation. 

Note 26, page 66. 

" A woman's hand 

" This day hath fell'd thee." 

It was my boast, previously to the commencement 
of the game, that I had never been beat by a woman, 
nor could I be. How uncertain and vapourful are 
all our boastings ! the weakest instruments are some- 
times employed to check the pride of man. — Treaion. 



176 



Note 27, page 66. 

" The clock strikes twelve in Salter's tower." 

Mr. Salter is a mag istrate, and a law relative of the 
Earl of Essex. The tower here mentioned is the 
turret over his stable, containing a dial, as his usual. 

Note 28, page 67. 
" The lark is up, and Nature flings 
" Her mellow tones on thousand strings." 
This chorus is an endeavour to condense into two 
lines an idea of the various melodies which charm the 
hour of sunrise, and to afford, from a familiar object, 
an idea of the thousand agents employed to bring to 
perfection the matchless song of Nature's gratitude. 

I should observe, that the ideas in the early verses 
of this hymn may be found in the " Fall of Constan- 
tinople," in the heroic measure. 

Note 29, page 69. 
" Or straight and motionless is seen, 
" Within the shadowed rushes green." 

The Jack will remain at times for the space of six 
hours in the water in a perfectly motionless state, and 
in this manner may be easily snared or poached. 



177 



Note SO, page 70. 

" And God alone is seen in Heaven.'' 

A matchless idea from a matchless poem, the 
" Dream of Byron." This idea has been pirated times 
without number. 

Note 31, page 71. 
'■ He was town-togg'd in Primefit's best arraying." 

Dickey Primefit, the dandy habit-maker, alias the 
sufiferer of Regent-street. 

Note 22, page 73. 
" Then followed, like the rainbow's arch of beauty." 
This idea, I believe, will not be found in any au- 
thor. I am fortunate in its adaptation to the fair and 
lovely sex. 

Note 33, page 77. 
" The church that rose before their eyes." 
Rickmansworth church is a fine object, and in 
excellent keeping with the surrounding country ; 
the gentle declivities rising in the back ground, 
form a fine contrast to the pellucid streams which 
grace its front view. There is not too much of 



178 



water scenery, nor is there too much of wood, but 
all richly harmonizes to the sacred edifice, which 
forms a centre to the whole scene. 

Note 34, page 80. 

" And never got her faithless spouse 
" To walk inside the sacred house." 

The number of actions brought of late years, for 
reparation in damages for breach of promise of mar- 
riage, proves the truth of this reference. 

Note 35, page 82. 

" A painted window shines, 

" Or window painted on two blinds." 

The calculations upon this window are various ; 
some consider the painting original and on glass, 
while others, from closer inspection, deem it a nice 
deception to trick the eye. This latter opinion is 
mine with all humility. 



1-9 



Note 36, page 83. 

" The man who led the service through, 

" Was faithful to his charge and true.'' 

Mr. Hodgson, the rector of Rickmansworth, is a 

most excellent man, and does infinite credit to his 

profession. 

Note 37, page 93. 

" I'll on his back spring after thee, 

" 'Tis now my turn to ride." 
Mr. Wordsworth objects to this last line. Lord 
Byron's agent in London, for minor pieces, said to 
me, " Let it stand." 

Note 38, page 100. 

** bedashed he felt 

" To be so near the fair one's belt." 
It ia a fact, that I had very nearly caught one of the 
fair rangers, by a determined spring at her wast- 
band. 

Note 30, page 118. 

" A different story, 

" Her foot sunk deep where in his glory." 

The lady who captured this " Son of the Morn- 



ing','' almost lost her shoe in the circumjacent mould 
which surrounded his Harem, and which is usually 
of a very soft species. 

Note 40, page 1 20. 

" The will of Fate, 

" Now I believe in candle." 
I do believe in candle, for once I was honored with 
the symbol of a winding sheet, and in taking after- 
\vards a glass of ginger beer, I found it dead. 

Note 41, page 133. 
" I care not, I, at all." 
I am only anxious for the approval of my friends. 
I have made no pretensions to the judgment of a 
higher (though far inferior) tribunal of criticism. 

Note 42, page 155. 
" AMiere all are lie-bound, sparing one or two." 
This assertion is somewhat severe ; however, I have 

made exceptions, which is a rare example of candour 

in a Satirist 

Note -13, page l6o. 
"TheThames— I mean— runs dart-like, deep and low." 
Byron talks of the anowy Rhone. The darUike 



Thames is, I think, as good, and perhaps more 
characteristic. His line runs, 

" By the blue rusliing of the arrowy Rhone." 
Childe Harold. 

Note -14, page l6l. 
" Anon Saint Bride, and Dunstan's erring plate." 
The clock of St. Dunstan's in the west, is a fatal 
machine to set a watch by. 



ERRATA. 



Page 46, line 10, /or 'We'll leara of their preceptors,' read • Well 

learnt of their preceptors.' 
Page 128, line 4, for ' The spider's pale thread, read ' The spider's 

pall-thread ' 
Page 144, line 6, for ' Tono tint,' read • Tone tint.' 




T.White, Printer, 2, Johnson's Coart. 



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